The Contribution of Social Media Use on Sexual and Reproductive Health Literacy Among In- School Adolescent Girls in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2025
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) literacy plays a crucial role in adolescent health, yet many adolescents lack adequate knowledge and access to quality sexual and reproductive health services. Though social media spread misinformation and unverified content, adolescents are increasingly turning to social media access SRH information. Assessing the contribution of social media use on sexual and reproductive healthis essential for improving adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health literacy.
Objective: To assess the contribution of social media use on sexual and reproductive health literacy among in-school adolescent girls in Addis Ababa
Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among secondary school girls using structured, self-administered questionnaires on Social Media Use and sexual and reproductive health literacy Integration Scale. Data were collected by trained data collectors using a standardized tool that measured with a validated scale. The sample size was determined using Epi Info and data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 25. binary and Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to identify siginficant factors
Result: Total of 648 adolescent girls participated in the study, yielding a 95% response rate with 48% having optimal sexual and reproductive health literacy. While the use of social media as a source of sexual and reproductive health information was low in 23.6%, moderate in 59.9%, and high in 16.5%. Girls aged 15–17 years (AOR = 5.47; 95% CI: 3.01–9.95), fathers in the private sector (AOR = 4.49; 95% CI: 1.54–13.07), and mothers owning a business (AOR = 5.81; 95% CI: 1.51–22.36) or in government (AOR = 8.85; 95% CI: 2.28–34.22) had higher odds sexual reproductive health optimal literacy, while migration from rural areas (AOR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.14–0.86), rare/once-per-week phone use (AOR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.26–1.98; AOR = (0.23), and moderate social media integration (AOR = 0.34)reduced the odds of sexual reproductive health optimal literacy .
Conclusion: Sexual and reproductive health literacy among adolescent girls in Addis Ababa is shaped by socio-demographic factors and digital engagement. Targeted interventions are needed for adolescents with limited digital engagement to support informed decision-making.
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Keywords
Sexual and reproductive health literacy, Social media, Adolescent